Call number
280.2 BAR
Status
Available
Call number
Other editions
Catholicism: A Journey to the Heart of the Faith by Robert Barron (Hardcover)
Catholicism: A Journey to the Heart of the Faith by Robert Barron (Hardcover)
Pages
304
Description
What I propose to do in this audiobook is to take you on a guided exploration of the Catholic world, but not in the manner of a docent, for I am not interested in showing you the artifacts of Catholicism as though they were dusty objects d'art in a museum of culture. I want to function rather as a mystagogue, conducting you ever deeper into the mystery of the incarnation in the hopes that you might be transformed by its power. -Fr. Robert Barron What is Catholicism? A 2,000-year-old living tradition? A worldview? A way of life? A relationship? A mystery? In Catholicism Fr. Robert Barron examines all these questions and more, seeking to capture the body, heart, and mind of the Catholic faith. Starting from the essential foundation of Jesus Christ's incarnation, life, and teaching, Father Barron moves through the defining elements of Catholicism- from sacraments, worship, and prayer, to Mary, the apostles, and saints, to grace, salvation, heaven, and hell-using his distinct grasp of art, literature, architecture, personal stories, Scripture, theology, philosophy, and history to present the Church to the world. Paired with his documentary film series of the same title, Catholicism is an intimate journey, capturing "The Catholic Thing" in all its depth and beauty. Eclectic and inspiring, Fr. Barron brings the faith to life for a new generation, in a style that is both faithful to timeless truths and simultaneously speaks in the language of contemporary life.… (more)
Local notes
Copy 1 REFERENCE: DO NOT REMOVE FROM THE LIBRARY
Publication
Image (2011), Edition: Reprint, 291 pages
Original publication date
2011
ISBN
0307720527 / 9780307720528
Collections
User reviews
LibraryThing member StephenBarkley
Full disclaimer: I’m a Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada minister (to my US friends, think Assemblies of God) reviewing a book on Catholicism. Still, I read this book with an eager and generous heart. Using the boundary markers of your denomination to define your Christian faith (let alone
I was struck by the number of times, especially near the beginning of the book, that I wanted to jump out of my seat and high five Father Barron. His scholarship and passion regarding the centrality of Jesus in the life of the church was breathtaking. I also noted that he used a fair bit of the conceptual world of N. T. Wright (duly footnoted). In the end, I was delighted to share much more in common with Father Barron than I had anticipated.
Of course, there were areas that frustrated me. The role and status of Mary for one. The doctrine of Immaculate conception seems to be so far removed from scripture it’s absurd. On the other hand, I freely acknowledge that most Protestants underemphasize Mary because we like to keep the boundary markers between us and them nice and neat. (Side note: Martin Luther would have rolled over in his grave to read the title of that chapter: “Our Tainted Nature’s Solitary Boast”. Boast! Seriously?)
Father Barron takes a hard line on other denominations:
"From the Roman Catholic point of view, all of the non-Catholic Christian churches have sacrificed one or more of these qualities and therefore fall short of completeness or catholicity." (164)
(It’s interesting how, instead of stating his personal view, he prefaced it with, “From the Roman Catholic point of view …”.) Father Barron goes on to suggest that apostolic succession—the idea that the current Pope is the descendant of Saint Peter—is a “guarantee” (168) that they are preserving the faith. It seems to me like Jesus’ treatment of the Pharisees rules out this sort of naïve comfort. If the Jewish religious leaders couldn’t be trusted to faithfully preserve the faith, what makes us think that we can pull of the same feat?
I could argue theology all day, but I’ll leave with one last particularly irritating argument. In discussing the afterlife, Father Barron states clearly that Protestants object that “purgatory is an unbiblical doctrine, a medieval innovation” (262). In response, he mentions misleadingly that “incarnation” and “Trinity” are also absent from scripture. I don’t know of a single person who argues that since the term “purgatory” cannot be looked up in a concordance, the doctrine is false. It’s the concept that matters. He then goes on to quote 2 Maccabees for a convoluted hint that purgatory may exist. In the first place, the reference to 2 Maccabees 12:44-46 isn’t a direct statement about purgatory. In the second place, Father Brown knows full well that the vast majority of Protestant churches view the books of Macabees as extra-canonical (or, at least, deuterocanonical).
Now that my cathartic moment has passed, I still have to say: an objective Protestant reading of Catholicism will discover far more common elements of the faith than discord. You may even, like this Protestant, be inspired.
Disclaimer: A review copy of this book was provided at no cost through LibraryThing’s Early Reviewer’s program.
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status!) seems absurd to me. On the other hand, I take doctrine seriously and love to study. Here are my thoughts.I was struck by the number of times, especially near the beginning of the book, that I wanted to jump out of my seat and high five Father Barron. His scholarship and passion regarding the centrality of Jesus in the life of the church was breathtaking. I also noted that he used a fair bit of the conceptual world of N. T. Wright (duly footnoted). In the end, I was delighted to share much more in common with Father Barron than I had anticipated.
Of course, there were areas that frustrated me. The role and status of Mary for one. The doctrine of Immaculate conception seems to be so far removed from scripture it’s absurd. On the other hand, I freely acknowledge that most Protestants underemphasize Mary because we like to keep the boundary markers between us and them nice and neat. (Side note: Martin Luther would have rolled over in his grave to read the title of that chapter: “Our Tainted Nature’s Solitary Boast”. Boast! Seriously?)
Father Barron takes a hard line on other denominations:
"From the Roman Catholic point of view, all of the non-Catholic Christian churches have sacrificed one or more of these qualities and therefore fall short of completeness or catholicity." (164)
(It’s interesting how, instead of stating his personal view, he prefaced it with, “From the Roman Catholic point of view …”.) Father Barron goes on to suggest that apostolic succession—the idea that the current Pope is the descendant of Saint Peter—is a “guarantee” (168) that they are preserving the faith. It seems to me like Jesus’ treatment of the Pharisees rules out this sort of naïve comfort. If the Jewish religious leaders couldn’t be trusted to faithfully preserve the faith, what makes us think that we can pull of the same feat?
I could argue theology all day, but I’ll leave with one last particularly irritating argument. In discussing the afterlife, Father Barron states clearly that Protestants object that “purgatory is an unbiblical doctrine, a medieval innovation” (262). In response, he mentions misleadingly that “incarnation” and “Trinity” are also absent from scripture. I don’t know of a single person who argues that since the term “purgatory” cannot be looked up in a concordance, the doctrine is false. It’s the concept that matters. He then goes on to quote 2 Maccabees for a convoluted hint that purgatory may exist. In the first place, the reference to 2 Maccabees 12:44-46 isn’t a direct statement about purgatory. In the second place, Father Brown knows full well that the vast majority of Protestant churches view the books of Macabees as extra-canonical (or, at least, deuterocanonical).
Now that my cathartic moment has passed, I still have to say: an objective Protestant reading of Catholicism will discover far more common elements of the faith than discord. You may even, like this Protestant, be inspired.
Disclaimer: A review copy of this book was provided at no cost through LibraryThing’s Early Reviewer’s program.
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LibraryThing member ronincats
I thought this was an excellent book at presenting and explaining what makes Catholicism unique. We are shown the origin and reason for many "difficult" tenets of the Church, and certain chapters such as the one on prayer are simply outstanding. Barron is not afraid to reference important
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theologians and writers, although I could wish for a bibliography in addition to the index provided. He clarifies without "dumbing down". His writing is very clear and his passion is evident. I would strongly recommend this book to Catholics wishing to refocus their faith and to non-Catholics who want to know more about Catholicism. Show Less
LibraryThing member GaryKbookworm
Although writing from a perspective of someone who was born and raised in the Catholic faith, I have to admit that I was somewhat less than knowledgeable about all the traditions and history of Catholicism. Father Barron has written a wonderful book about what it means to be a Catholic including
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history, art, literature, and lives of the Catholic saints. To sum all of this up in one sentence, he ends the book, "To hear the echo of God's voice in all of these things is what it means to be a Catholic". I have read many religious books throughout my life and none has inspired and taught me more about the Catholic faith than this one. I strongly recommend this book for anyone interested in the Catholicism and what it means to be Catholic. Show Less
LibraryThing member davidpwithun
Although Fr. Barron clearly, as the title itself indicates, intended this book to be an introduction to Catholicism, I think that what he has written here is an excellent introduction to Christianity as a whole. And I say that in spite of the two swipes (on pages 3 and 164) he takes at the Orthodox
Fr. Barron is, in turns, poetic and intellectual throughout the book. His initial descriptions of the Incarnation (pages 9-10) and the liturgy (pages 172-4), for instance, are so beautiful they could easily become verse. And his discussion of God (chapter 3), for example, wonderfully breaks down very difficult and rather heady concepts in language that anyone can understand. Adding to the beauty of the book are the black and white photographs of some of the most beautiful sites in Christendom sprinkled throughout the book and the wonder-evoking set of color photographs in the center.
Also contributing to the excellence of this book are the numerous short quotations, bits of wisdom, and anecdotes sprinkled throughout. For these, Fr. Barron draws especially heavily on modern Christian thinkers like Paul Tillich, Thomas Merton, and Edith Stein, giving us a presentation of a Christianity that has grappled with the great problems of the modern and postmodern world and its thought as encapsulated by such figures as Marx and Freud (whom Fr. Barron references specifically). In course, he demonstrates to the reader that Christianity is not the medieval superstition and antiquated silliness some would like to paint it as, but it continues to be what it has always been: the Truth, the way to Life from the realm of unbecoming.
I recommend this book as an introduction to Christianity for the newcomer and an engaging refresher for the experienced – with a uniquely but not exclusively Catholic flavor. I especially recommend that all Catholics have a read of this book.
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Church, of which I myself am a member. Other than perhaps his understanding of the interrelations of the three divine persons in the Trinity, which seems to be based largely around the filioque, and, of course, his discourse on papal infallibility, there was hardly a thing I could find with which I disagreed. In fact, that may be the greatest message that I took away from the book, probably contrary to Fr. Barron's desires: that perhaps East and West aren't so different after all.Fr. Barron is, in turns, poetic and intellectual throughout the book. His initial descriptions of the Incarnation (pages 9-10) and the liturgy (pages 172-4), for instance, are so beautiful they could easily become verse. And his discussion of God (chapter 3), for example, wonderfully breaks down very difficult and rather heady concepts in language that anyone can understand. Adding to the beauty of the book are the black and white photographs of some of the most beautiful sites in Christendom sprinkled throughout the book and the wonder-evoking set of color photographs in the center.
Also contributing to the excellence of this book are the numerous short quotations, bits of wisdom, and anecdotes sprinkled throughout. For these, Fr. Barron draws especially heavily on modern Christian thinkers like Paul Tillich, Thomas Merton, and Edith Stein, giving us a presentation of a Christianity that has grappled with the great problems of the modern and postmodern world and its thought as encapsulated by such figures as Marx and Freud (whom Fr. Barron references specifically). In course, he demonstrates to the reader that Christianity is not the medieval superstition and antiquated silliness some would like to paint it as, but it continues to be what it has always been: the Truth, the way to Life from the realm of unbecoming.
I recommend this book as an introduction to Christianity for the newcomer and an engaging refresher for the experienced – with a uniquely but not exclusively Catholic flavor. I especially recommend that all Catholics have a read of this book.
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LibraryThing member sullijo
It is very difficult for me to review a book like Fr. Robert Barron's "Catholicism: A Journey to the Heart of the Faith." Years in the making and heralded by a healthy dose of promotion across the Catholic corner of the internet, it can be hard to separate the hype from the thing itself. I also
With those provisos, what can you expect from "Catholicism?"
In the introduction Fr. Barron promises to take us on "a guided exploration of the Catholic world... I want to function as a mystagogue, conducting you ever deeper into the mystery of the Incarnation in the hopes that you might be transformed by its power." He intends a celebration of the faith, rather than an academic overview, and he keeps his word.
Fr. Barron covers the major topics of the faith in ten chapters that mirror the ten episodes of his DVD series. These include the person of Jesus Christ, his teachings, the Church, the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Eucharist, the saints, and prayer, among others. Each chapter includes highlights from the Church's historical and theological heritage, from Bl. Theresa of Calcutta to St. Augustine, the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris to Bl. Pope John Paul II. The book also boasts an impressive amount of photography and artwork, much of it from Europe's great cathedrals and basilicas.
As anyone who has seen his YouTube videos knows, Fr. Barron has a gift for explaining the faith in simple, understandable terms, and this gift is on full display in "Catholicism." Even notoriously complex issues such as theodicy (the problem of evil) are dealt with in clear terms, with non-Christian alternatives laid out in contrast with the person of Christ:
"For the Christian faith, the only adequate "resolution" of this dilemma is the one effected by God himself on the cross of Jesus Christ. On that cross, the darkness of the human condition met the fullness of the divine love and found itself transfigured into life. On that cross, God went to the limits of godforsakenness and made even death itself a place of hope. God, in his love, becomes the answer to the problem of evil."
One thing you should not expect is a systematic walk through the Church's teachings. This is actually one of the little things that bugged me about the book: it's incomplete treatment of certain subjects. For instance, in the chapter on prayer, Fr. Barron spends most of his time on Thomas Merton, John of the Cross, and Teresa of Avila -- important figures, to be sure, and ones who have much to teach on prayer! But Fr. Barron then offers a few pages on petitionary prayer before wrapping up the chapter -- neglecting the other four forms of prayer laid out in the Catechism. Similarly, his chapter on the "last things" includes very good reflections on heaven, purgatory, and hell -- but no mention of judgement, the traditional first "last thing." Again, Fr. Barron's approach isn't wrong or even unhelpful. But for someone acquainted with the Catechism and the traditions of the Church, the omissions are curious.
Another troubling aspect of the book is it's solid Euro-centrism. Almost no attention is paid to Catholicism as it is lived in the global south, either in the stories Fr. Barron tells or in the artwork used throughout the book. At a time when Christianity is seeing unprecedented growth in Africa and South America, this makes "Catholicism" look rooted in the Church's past, rather than its future.
But those are minor quibbles about an otherwise impressive accomplishment. Fr. Barron has crafted what may prove to be the defining introductory text to the faith for the coming decades; I predict that "Catholicism" will be added to many personal and parish libraries and will become a classic text for inquirers and RCIA candidates. Anyone interested in learning more about the Catholic faith could hardly do better than picking up this book.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from LibraryThing's Early Reviewer program.
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have the nagging feeling that I'm not Fr. Barron's primary audience for this work. I say that less as someone who works full-time for the Church, and more as someone who prefers systematic theology to philosophy. (Fr. Barron's masters degree is in philosophy and he is an unabashed admirer of St. Thomas Aquinas, whose life and writings are frequently cited in the book.)With those provisos, what can you expect from "Catholicism?"
In the introduction Fr. Barron promises to take us on "a guided exploration of the Catholic world... I want to function as a mystagogue, conducting you ever deeper into the mystery of the Incarnation in the hopes that you might be transformed by its power." He intends a celebration of the faith, rather than an academic overview, and he keeps his word.
Fr. Barron covers the major topics of the faith in ten chapters that mirror the ten episodes of his DVD series. These include the person of Jesus Christ, his teachings, the Church, the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Eucharist, the saints, and prayer, among others. Each chapter includes highlights from the Church's historical and theological heritage, from Bl. Theresa of Calcutta to St. Augustine, the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris to Bl. Pope John Paul II. The book also boasts an impressive amount of photography and artwork, much of it from Europe's great cathedrals and basilicas.
As anyone who has seen his YouTube videos knows, Fr. Barron has a gift for explaining the faith in simple, understandable terms, and this gift is on full display in "Catholicism." Even notoriously complex issues such as theodicy (the problem of evil) are dealt with in clear terms, with non-Christian alternatives laid out in contrast with the person of Christ:
"For the Christian faith, the only adequate "resolution" of this dilemma is the one effected by God himself on the cross of Jesus Christ. On that cross, the darkness of the human condition met the fullness of the divine love and found itself transfigured into life. On that cross, God went to the limits of godforsakenness and made even death itself a place of hope. God, in his love, becomes the answer to the problem of evil."
One thing you should not expect is a systematic walk through the Church's teachings. This is actually one of the little things that bugged me about the book: it's incomplete treatment of certain subjects. For instance, in the chapter on prayer, Fr. Barron spends most of his time on Thomas Merton, John of the Cross, and Teresa of Avila -- important figures, to be sure, and ones who have much to teach on prayer! But Fr. Barron then offers a few pages on petitionary prayer before wrapping up the chapter -- neglecting the other four forms of prayer laid out in the Catechism. Similarly, his chapter on the "last things" includes very good reflections on heaven, purgatory, and hell -- but no mention of judgement, the traditional first "last thing." Again, Fr. Barron's approach isn't wrong or even unhelpful. But for someone acquainted with the Catechism and the traditions of the Church, the omissions are curious.
Another troubling aspect of the book is it's solid Euro-centrism. Almost no attention is paid to Catholicism as it is lived in the global south, either in the stories Fr. Barron tells or in the artwork used throughout the book. At a time when Christianity is seeing unprecedented growth in Africa and South America, this makes "Catholicism" look rooted in the Church's past, rather than its future.
But those are minor quibbles about an otherwise impressive accomplishment. Fr. Barron has crafted what may prove to be the defining introductory text to the faith for the coming decades; I predict that "Catholicism" will be added to many personal and parish libraries and will become a classic text for inquirers and RCIA candidates. Anyone interested in learning more about the Catholic faith could hardly do better than picking up this book.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from LibraryThing's Early Reviewer program.
Show Less
LibraryThing member JDHomrighausen
[Catholicism: A Journey to the Heart of the Faith], by [[Robert Barron]]
Finished 6/22/12
I was received into the Catholic faith at 20 last year, and I wish I had had a book like Barron's to read before I made the leap. I have heard some of his CDs from Lighthouse Catholic Media, and he is one of the
This book in particular is an exposition of the basics of Catholicism: Jesus, God, Paul, Church, saints, prayer, Mary, life and death. Thankfully, Barron avoids the more controversial issues of abortion, homosexuality, and women priests. Instead he packs in allusions to all kinds of writers and thinkers, saints and cathedrals. He explained Jesus' "turn the other cheek" as a kind of turning the other's conscience into their face with love (I had never been able to make sense of this). I loved his story of staring at the rose window of Notre Dame for twenty minutes, as I recently did that at St. Thomas Church in NYC. While some of the chapters dragged on, such as the one on Peter and Paul, the chapters on saints and prayer more than made up for it. I especially like that he picked an all-female lineup of saints for that chapter.
Overall, a book good for non-Catholics to get a flavor of the tradition written neither in a polemic nor a removed academic style. Also good for Catholics needing a refresher.
Finished 6/22/12
I was received into the Catholic faith at 20 last year, and I wish I had had a book like Barron's to read before I made the leap. I have heard some of his CDs from Lighthouse Catholic Media, and he is one of the
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few popular Catholic speakers I like. Unlike many of the others, he does not bring his fundamentalist Protestant baggage into Catholicism. Also unlike many on the apologist circuit, he writes and speaks with a moderate tone.This book in particular is an exposition of the basics of Catholicism: Jesus, God, Paul, Church, saints, prayer, Mary, life and death. Thankfully, Barron avoids the more controversial issues of abortion, homosexuality, and women priests. Instead he packs in allusions to all kinds of writers and thinkers, saints and cathedrals. He explained Jesus' "turn the other cheek" as a kind of turning the other's conscience into their face with love (I had never been able to make sense of this). I loved his story of staring at the rose window of Notre Dame for twenty minutes, as I recently did that at St. Thomas Church in NYC. While some of the chapters dragged on, such as the one on Peter and Paul, the chapters on saints and prayer more than made up for it. I especially like that he picked an all-female lineup of saints for that chapter.
Overall, a book good for non-Catholics to get a flavor of the tradition written neither in a polemic nor a removed academic style. Also good for Catholics needing a refresher.
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LibraryThing member mms04b
Robert Barron has written a an excellent introductory work on the Catholic faith. His stated goal for the book is to give you an experience of Catholicism and he delivers. While I am a protestant and disagree with him one some areas of theology his goal is not to persuade or debate the catholic
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faith. Instead it is to give you, the reader, experience and insight into the catholic faith. I came away richer from reading this book and I can confidently say that those that read it with an open mind will as well. While I will not be switching to a Catholic church any time soon my knowledge and appreciation has increased for my catholic brothers and sisters in Christ. Show Less
LibraryThing member thedenathome
I am very thankful to have received this book. Barron gave this protestant a basic understanding of Catholicism. He did infuriate me at times, but that is to be expected. By the end, I felt that I had a much better grasp of what Catholicism is about, to the point of considering whether or not I
The incarnation of God in Jesus Christ is the basis for the COMMON faith of true believers, not just Catholics as Barron seems to state...but then, maybe that was just my reading of his words. But, on the other hand, this does open the doors for dialogue as believers, rather than dialogue with an opponent of the faith. As others have stated, Barron is a very engaging author who makes his case well, but not incontrovertibly. I am still intrigued by those who are enamored of Catholicism as the inconsistencies within it still remain unanswered to my satisfaction.
I would heartily recommend this book for those looking for a basic primer on Catholicism, who wish to increase their understanding or even refresh their own thinking with the basics of their faith. Barron is a good evangelist for Catholicism, and a reasonably good one for the Christian faith as a whole. In fact, I still hope to be able to go through Catholicism a fourth time so that I can respond to it in a deeper. more theologically grounded way than in a book review.
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could envision myself taking the step of conversion. Personally, I cannot, but Barron has advocated for his faith well.The incarnation of God in Jesus Christ is the basis for the COMMON faith of true believers, not just Catholics as Barron seems to state...but then, maybe that was just my reading of his words. But, on the other hand, this does open the doors for dialogue as believers, rather than dialogue with an opponent of the faith. As others have stated, Barron is a very engaging author who makes his case well, but not incontrovertibly. I am still intrigued by those who are enamored of Catholicism as the inconsistencies within it still remain unanswered to my satisfaction.
I would heartily recommend this book for those looking for a basic primer on Catholicism, who wish to increase their understanding or even refresh their own thinking with the basics of their faith. Barron is a good evangelist for Catholicism, and a reasonably good one for the Christian faith as a whole. In fact, I still hope to be able to go through Catholicism a fourth time so that I can respond to it in a deeper. more theologically grounded way than in a book review.
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LibraryThing member baroquem
I'm not sure that there's much more to say about Father Barron's work that hasn't already been said in countless other reviews. _Catholicism_ — both the book and the TV series on which the book is based — is a fantastic exploration of the major facets of the Catholic faith, with a particular
It's worth noting that the text of the book follows the script of his ten-episode TV series rather closely. That's not a bad thing; while the book omits most of the colorful visuals and the visceral aspects of universality that the show conveys so well, it gives the viewer a means to go back and ponder some of the points that may have passed by too quickly in the narrative on screen.
That brings me to the one significant aspect of the book that I found lacking. While Father Barron's explanations are excellent and highly insightful for the reader/viewer who may already have some familiarity with Catholicism, at times I felt that they might not be completely accessible for those who were coming in with no prior knowledge. Thus, while this is certainly a fine celebration of the Catholic Church and faith, it may not be the best introduction to them.
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emphasis on its spiritual and cultural riches. Father Barron has a gift for illustrating theologically complex material with useful practical examples, and when examples won't do, he can explain a philosophical argument clearly and simply.It's worth noting that the text of the book follows the script of his ten-episode TV series rather closely. That's not a bad thing; while the book omits most of the colorful visuals and the visceral aspects of universality that the show conveys so well, it gives the viewer a means to go back and ponder some of the points that may have passed by too quickly in the narrative on screen.
That brings me to the one significant aspect of the book that I found lacking. While Father Barron's explanations are excellent and highly insightful for the reader/viewer who may already have some familiarity with Catholicism, at times I felt that they might not be completely accessible for those who were coming in with no prior knowledge. Thus, while this is certainly a fine celebration of the Catholic Church and faith, it may not be the best introduction to them.
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LibraryThing member KarenElissa
I really enjoyed this book. It has enough depth to hold the interest of the more knowledgeable Catholic while still being basic enough for the uninitiated. The other thing I appreciated is that it came from the point of explaining the beauty of the Catholic faith as opposed to arguing against
If I had a compliant it would be that while some of the pictures add to the text, at times they didn't seem particularly related or there weren't pictures when I would have wanted one.
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something. If I had a compliant it would be that while some of the pictures add to the text, at times they didn't seem particularly related or there weren't pictures when I would have wanted one.
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LibraryThing member YesVirginia
Could you imagine touring all fifty of the United States in less than a week? This book, Catholicism, by Robert Barron manages to hit all the most important points of the teachings of the Catholic Church.
I only discovered the DVD this book accompanies after I'd completed reading. There may be
I find Barron delightfully clear and direct. There are a few places where I find his logical arguments unconvincing, but some of that may be just my tendency to strain at gnats.
On the whole, I'd say this is an excellent resource for filling in the gaps for someone of the Catholic faith and a help to anyone outside the Catholic Church who wants an accurate picture of just what do Catholics believe. Once you've read The Holy Bible, and probably before attempting to trudge your way through the Catechism, walk with Robert Barron. You'll be glad you did.
I only discovered the DVD this book accompanies after I'd completed reading. There may be
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slightly different material covered in the video project, (I have not seen all of it), but they seem to dovetail one into the other. Which came first? I could not say. They both use the advantages of their media format quite well.I find Barron delightfully clear and direct. There are a few places where I find his logical arguments unconvincing, but some of that may be just my tendency to strain at gnats.
On the whole, I'd say this is an excellent resource for filling in the gaps for someone of the Catholic faith and a help to anyone outside the Catholic Church who wants an accurate picture of just what do Catholics believe. Once you've read The Holy Bible, and probably before attempting to trudge your way through the Catechism, walk with Robert Barron. You'll be glad you did.
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LibraryThing member dmichaud
Catholicism: A Journey to the Heart of the Faith is an excellent single-volume snap-shot of the worldwide institution and way of life that is the Roman Catholic Church. Combining history, theology, ritual, art, and music Barron's book offers a great window into a great tradition well suited for
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both outsiders and insiders. Show Less
LibraryThing member lhlady
Have just started it but am enjoying his writing style immensely.
LibraryThing member akowen
Written as a companion to Fr. Robert Barron's popular PBS documentary-film series of the same name, this book is a remarkable feat in concise definition of an awesomely broad topic. Using meaningful analogies and uniquely worded descriptions of concepts that are so commonly spoken of that
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understanding is assumed, Fr. Barron makes much seem new in this writing. The arrangement of chapters builds one upon the other until the logical final chapter "World without End: the Last Things." But if one reads nothing else in this book about Catholicism, go to the short coda at the end, "It's All about God," to experience the brilliance of Barron's ability to use language to capture the essence of this faith. Show Less
LibraryThing member njstitcher
This is a well written, well researched exploration of the Catholic faith. Based on Scripture and the tenets of the Church, Barron starts at the beginning and explains various aspects of Catholicism in a thorough but easy to understand manner. While written for the non-scholar, Barron doesn't
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oversimplify or talk down to his audience. Show Less
LibraryThing member bespen
I received this book for free as part of the Early Reviewers book program at LibraryThing.com.
I haven't seen the documentary that this book is intended to be a complement to. [and prepostitions aren't what you end sentences with] Thus I may be missing some of the intent by reviewing the book simply
This book is intended to be a brief, but complete summary of the Catholic faith. Barron accomplishes this.
My single favorite part of the book is Barron's treatment of the Sermon on the Mount. Barron summarizes the Beatitudes as the more we draw on the divine life, the more we receive in return. Each of the positive attributes in the first four Beatitudes is something we need to be happy, and they are best possessed by giving them away. Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you. [Matthew 6:33] The negative Beatitudes are interpreted in a light of detachment. Blessed are those who love God enough that they do not need the ordinary comforts of life.
My least favorite part of the book was the section on four recent saints, Katherine Drexel, Thérèse of Lisieux, Edith Stein, and Mother Theresa. None of their lives speak to me. This is pretty normal, it is why there are thousands of saints, there is one that everyone will find interesting in the way they refract the infinite goodness of God. I found these four saints, or least Barron's presentation of them, pretty similar. This is mostly a matter of taste. Others may absolutely this this part.
Overall the book is pretty good. Anyone who wants an intro to Catholicism will find it here.
I haven't seen the documentary that this book is intended to be a complement to. [and prepostitions aren't what you end sentences with] Thus I may be missing some of the intent by reviewing the book simply
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as a book, rather than as a multimedia package. That being said, there are some beautiful pictures in this book, showcasing the treasures of the Church. This is really part of the purpose, since it has been argued that the works of art Christianity inspires are among its greatest evangelists.This book is intended to be a brief, but complete summary of the Catholic faith. Barron accomplishes this.
My single favorite part of the book is Barron's treatment of the Sermon on the Mount. Barron summarizes the Beatitudes as the more we draw on the divine life, the more we receive in return. Each of the positive attributes in the first four Beatitudes is something we need to be happy, and they are best possessed by giving them away. Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you. [Matthew 6:33] The negative Beatitudes are interpreted in a light of detachment. Blessed are those who love God enough that they do not need the ordinary comforts of life.
My least favorite part of the book was the section on four recent saints, Katherine Drexel, Thérèse of Lisieux, Edith Stein, and Mother Theresa. None of their lives speak to me. This is pretty normal, it is why there are thousands of saints, there is one that everyone will find interesting in the way they refract the infinite goodness of God. I found these four saints, or least Barron's presentation of them, pretty similar. This is mostly a matter of taste. Others may absolutely this this part.
Overall the book is pretty good. Anyone who wants an intro to Catholicism will find it here.
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LibraryThing member jewels1864
Well, I finally got around to finishing this book which I received through Early Reviewers. Although it took me nearly three months to complete it, it was not due to a lack of interest but to the fact that I found it so interesting but filled with so much information that I couldn't read more than
There were many interesting ideas proposed which I believe would cause any practicing or questioning Catholic to reevaluate their faith as well as intrigue anyone else interested in a modern view of the faith or simply on a search for God. The author deals with the topic and some common arguments against the faith seriously and honestly without an air of superiority or a 'holier than thou' attitude. Honest answers for those with honest questions.
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a few pages at a time without having to stop and contemplate what I had just read. There were many interesting ideas proposed which I believe would cause any practicing or questioning Catholic to reevaluate their faith as well as intrigue anyone else interested in a modern view of the faith or simply on a search for God. The author deals with the topic and some common arguments against the faith seriously and honestly without an air of superiority or a 'holier than thou' attitude. Honest answers for those with honest questions.
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LibraryThing member LA12Hernandez
I read the book an watched the series and found both fantastic. It was written with Catholics in mind and takes a lot of that into consideration. I doubt that most non-Catholics will find the book interesting or informative, still to those Catholics who want to understand their religion better this
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is a must have book. Show Less
LibraryThing member hermit
Robert Barron has written a book that is an introduction to the modern ecumenical catholic church. The author shares his thoughts on Christianity and this modern catholicism, not Roman Catholicism. He has a flair with the written word and has chosen his quotes and references in such a way as too
Under the auspices of sharing an introduction of Catholic's like Saint Katharine Drexel, Saint Therese of Lisieux, Saint Edith Stein, Blessed Therresa of Calcutta he follows with Thomas Merton. Thomas Merton who was lead to become a Catholic Monk and prolific writer did not follow the Benedictine Rule he had vowed too follow. The book is not published by a Catholic publisher and there is no approval from even his diocese on this publication. The author does explain how this book is derived from his notes and experience gained while working on a ten-part documentary. The man can obviously write and perhaps, as his words show, this book is not about Roman Catholicism as I have inferred but the new modern catholicism popular in the U.S.A.
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follow the new modern idea of being catholic. The book should be titled 'Modern Christianity: A Journey to the Heart of Faith.' This book, though easy too read, is not theologically sound. His use of scriptures and his misrepresentation does not lend credence too his work. The author, as is stated in another review, even states that "From the Roman Catholic point of view, all of the non-Catholic Christian churches have sacrificed one or more of these qualities and therefore fall short of completeness or catholicity." (164) His construct of this and other sentences emphases that Roman Catholic point of view is not his.Under the auspices of sharing an introduction of Catholic's like Saint Katharine Drexel, Saint Therese of Lisieux, Saint Edith Stein, Blessed Therresa of Calcutta he follows with Thomas Merton. Thomas Merton who was lead to become a Catholic Monk and prolific writer did not follow the Benedictine Rule he had vowed too follow. The book is not published by a Catholic publisher and there is no approval from even his diocese on this publication. The author does explain how this book is derived from his notes and experience gained while working on a ten-part documentary. The man can obviously write and perhaps, as his words show, this book is not about Roman Catholicism as I have inferred but the new modern catholicism popular in the U.S.A.
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LibraryThing member SaritaD
Best compilation of Catholic thought and theology. Because the Catholic Church has a long and complicated history, it's difficult to find a book that not only explains it adequately. Fr. Barron has tackled the heart of the Catholic Church and written a illuminating book that is helpful for
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Catholics and non-Catholics alike Show Less
LibraryThing member amaryann21
Clear, concise and informative. Barron's writing is a good companion to the television series and a good introduction to Catholic teaching for the novice.
LibraryThing member baddyo
Extraordinary book.... I knew what it was to be a Christian. I never knew what it was to be a Catholic until I read this book. the final three pages put it all in order.
LibraryThing member caitemaire
Father Barron has written an excellent book, very well written and always interesting.
While there is much here that will be of great use to some just beginning a spiritual journey, or someone who knows little about Catholicism, there is also so much here for a lifelong Catholic.
I have not seen the
While there is much here that will be of great use to some just beginning a spiritual journey, or someone who knows little about Catholicism, there is also so much here for a lifelong Catholic.
I have not seen the
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PBS series, but it closely follows this book, I can not wait to see it when it comes on our local station this year. Show Less
LibraryThing member foof2you
This book is great book that tells about what the church believes and how it came to those beliefs. Mr. Barron does this in a very nice way that and in plain language. I like the way each chapter builds upon the next. Mr. Barron also takes difficult matter and puts it in plain English that makes it
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easy do understand. This book is a must read for all Catholics and those wanting to know more about the Catholic Church and what it believes, without reading the Oficial Catichism of the church. Show Less
LibraryThing member 2wonderY
This is a surprisingly spirited overview of the Church and it's vital high points. I gobbled it up quickly and plan to re-visit at a more sedate pace.
Relying heavily on scripture and established theologians, Barron was often able to juxtapose the material in ways that shed new light.
Excellent!
Relying heavily on scripture and established theologians, Barron was often able to juxtapose the material in ways that shed new light.
Excellent!
Awards
Christopher Award (2012)